The 10 Best Birthday Restaurants in NYC
When you think of birthday dinners at restaurants, do you envision a line of waiters clapping and singing “Happy Birthday” with fake enthusiasm? Maybe you picture mediocre food topped off with one free slice of cake and 12 forks to fight over it. Well, set aside those tired ideas- a birthday dinner in New York City is a gift in and of itself! With so many fun birthday restaurants and bars in NYC, you can surprise your big group with something they’ll never forget.
Celebrate your birthday by booking a New York Trolley so guests can safely pre-party on the way to dinner. Yes, birthday safety is a new concept (remember playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with thumbtacks and swinging at piñatas with wooden bats- both while blindfolded??). But who doesn’t love a chauffeured cocktail experience before sampling the finest food in the city? Book one of these 10 best birthday restaurants in NYC and expect 100% attendance!
Ultimate Guide to the Best Birthday Restaurants in NYC
1. Brooklyn Cider House- Go Prix Fixe Without Going Broke
It’s your birthday, treat yourself! What’s more indulgent than a three-course, prix fixe dinner? One that’s accompanied by a barrel room to catch cider from giant vats, of course! The best part about the Brooklyn Cider House? Prix fixe meals are only about $45, and that includes two cider catches from the barrel room. You won’t find a better deal in town!
2. Tijuana Picnic- Because Margaritas = Best Birthday Dinner NYC
The tacos are to-die-for, including the 10-taco platters. But what really makes this a fun birthday restaurant in NYC are the potent margaritas served at your table, as well as in the live music bar downstairs. Those Friday and Saturday basement parties you pretended to like in high school? This is the party you were actually looking for!
3. Wu’s Wonton King- One of the Best BYOB NYC Restaurants
Transport yourself at Wu’s where the dining room holds tanks filled with giant crabs and tables are topped with Lazy Susans that spin to share excellent Chinese food, including the traditional wonton soup and beef ribs. But the best reason to stop into Wu’s is to BYOB- you can even roll in a cooler. Let New York Trolley be your guide so you can step from our BYOB party bus right into a BYOB birthday dinner.
4. Turntable Chicken Jazz- The Name Alone Should Draw You In…
With a name like that, it shouldn’t surprise you that this restaurant exudes pleasant quirks. Start with the lava lamp beer pitchers, topped off with potatoes on a stick, and then stay for the DJ spinning Top 40 tunes. If the beer pitchers and DJ spark creative energy, hop on your trolley and head to the karaoke spots surrounding this buzzy birthday restaurant.
5. Hasalon- A Unique Combo of Elegance and Table-Top Dancing
This Israeli hotspot in Hell’s Kitchen will put a little dent in your wallet but it offers an incomparable experience. With just two seatings per night, book the 8:00 pm spot so you don’t miss the restaurant coming to life. By 10:00 pm, metal shades slide down over the windows, freeing you to bust a move on top of the tables and chairs, belting party anthems with the rest of the crowd. But this is no sloppy joint- the chef serves delicacies like Roast Entrêcote Carpaccio draped over 21-pound aged stones at this spot he calls, “high-end, wild dining.”
6. Pig And Khao- So You Can Stumble Into Bars Next Door
This restaurant emits serious pre-party vibes, enhanced by its proximity to Lower East Side bars. The menu is friendly for all budgets, and super shareable small plates for those who can’t ever decide what to order. They even offer a large party menu for a group dinner with snacks like peanuts roasted with lemongrass, entrees like Pork Belly Adobo and Khao Soi, and unique birthday desserts like Ricotta Donuts with custard.
7. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong- For Tableside Entertainment
Korean BBQ is a real crowd-pleaser, which makes this a great choice for all ages. Waiters swirl through the restaurant cooking meat on grills right before your eyes at this spot New Yorkers voted “Best Korean BBQ in NYC.” They also offer a private room upstairs for birthday parties, but the main floor is bustling with fun energy, if you like a crowd.
8. Patrizia’s of Williamsburg- Unlimited Wine and Beer? Yes, Please
If you’re celebrating with family or close friends, Patrizia’s is phenomenal. They serve $50 family-style prix fixe meals that include all-you-can-drink beer and wine. Make sure to travel by party trolley so everyone can enjoy the festive libations! If you like comfort foods and the traditional birthday fanfare, Patrizia’s has everyone wave their napkins around when anyone sings “Happy Birthday.” You’ll love the outdoor patio at this restaurant in New York. Don’t miss the mozzarella sticks.
9. Ernesto’s- Viva España, Especially Ernesto’s Chips!
This new Basque hotspot features a chef with three-Michelin-starred experience in Spain. His inventive menu includes pig’s ears with lentils and fried eggs and an ever-changing pintxos (tapas) selection, with an adjoining coffee shop. But you’re not likely to finish any of his delectable entrees, since you’ll be too full from the massive plates of chips they serve with sliced Iberico.
10. Quality Bistro- French Majesty at Your Birthday Restaurant NYC
This new multi-level French brasserie from the team behind Quality Eats brings an elegant spark to classics like a shrimp cocktail with passion fruit hot sauce and saffron aioli, or a red curry hollandaise lobster toast. The luxurious space in the Upper West Side can host a crowd and was designed for parties and birthday dinners in NYC, complete with two private event spaces.
If you’re searching for the best place for a birthday dinner in NYC, the New York Trolley Co. knows exactly where to go. Hop onboard and we’ll take you straight to party town! Our trolleys are the best BYOB NYC spot in town and perfect for all special occasions! Bring your cooler, your cocktails, or favorite wine, we’ll take care of the transportation. Dress up our trolleys however you like- whether you’re “Over the Hill,” “Flirty 30,” or “Fabulous 40,” we welcome festive décor. We pump your favorite playlist through our party buses which provide room for dancing and mingling for 34 friends.
Why settle for one fun birthday restaurant in NYC? We can take you to different stops for cocktails, appetizers, entrees, desserts, after parties, and coffee. Our drivers know the best spots in town and will plan a birthday dinner tour just for you from rooftop bars to wine bars. We are the outdoor dining of transportation. So, forget about counting candles and start counting down to the best birthday dinner NYC has to offer. Contact New York Trolley Co. today to make it happen!